Covenant Corner
*Providing couples with monthly insight, wisdom,
and tools to maintain a strong marital bond.
“Please Handle with Care. . . I’m Broken”
The Power of Encouragement
Despite our best efforts, there are times in our lives when we are faced with disappointments and failures. Whether the situation is emotional, physical, or spiritual, there is a need for encouragement and support from our spouse. How many times have you had the opportunity to be encouraging, but you chose to be discouraging? 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” Ask yourself these questions: (1) Do I take the opportunity to build my spouse up daily? (2) Do I recognize when my spouse needs my support or am I too busy with my own problems? (3) Do I focus on the negative aspects of a situation rather than emphasizing the positive? Your answers to these questions will help you to look closer at the power you have if you practice being an encourager.
God desires that we follow his example of being an encourager. There are times when we have witnessed our spouse praying and trusting God for something, whether it was a job, a child, or a promotion, and we have even prayed and believed with them. But what happens when the thing your spouse has asked God for does not happen the way he/she had expected? At that point, when your spouse is at his/her weakest point, he/she is broken. You must handle him/her with care by providing words and actions of encouragement. The spouse may not be at a place where they are able to pray for themselves or even feel God through their pain, during this time of their life; you must use your power of encouragement. Romans 15:4 says, “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Search the scriptures and provide your spouse with hope and encouragement.
Try This Exercise: Over the next month, make an effort daily to acknowledge your spouse’s abilities and efforts. If he/she feels hopeless, encourage him/her.